Situation for the Latvian bulls stuck at the border is getting serious

The bulls are beginning to show signs of exhaustion. The AWF/EonA team on the ground has been ensuring that they get hay and water, but the bulls are in need of sugar to avoid getting painful muscle cramps; many are lying down and appear apathetic. Our teams are trying to do as much as possible. An informant from the ground tells us that a similar incident happened at this border before- the authorities let the animals all die on board and then burnt them. We are shocked by this news and cannot let this happen again. Today we telephoned with the assistant of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Bulgaria to make it clear that he has the duty to take action, if these bulls die on board it will be the fault of the Bulgarian veterinarian officials, not just the Latvians who incorrectly approved this truck to leave 10 days ago. We let them know we have the Bulgarian and Turkish media involved who are regularly publishing articles and broadcasting newsclips on the television, reporting on what is happening. (To see some of these media clips, see “EonA in the media” on our homepage).
We think the only humane solution is to encourage the Bulgarian officials that they euthanize these bulls immediately. They are destined for slaughter anyhow, and at least this way would not have to wait any longer in cramped conditions on a vehicle. We hear that there is finally discussion taking place and are told that a decision may be made by this weekend for the animals.
Our team on the ground is using their time to also teach other livestock truck drivers about the importance of caring properly for the animals on board. They distribute our booklet “Tips for Truckers” that we use during our trainings of truck drivers, and explain the tips inside to the drivers. The drivers of ANIMEX, the Polish transport company that brought the Latvian bulls here, are also being taught the importance of giving enough water and hay and checking on the animals regularly enough etc… As long as this route remains open for long-distance transport, we will do everything possible to make sure that the drivers do not cause further suffering via ignorance.